MISSION AND HISTORY

Traditionally, the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon have fostered and encouraged the arts in their schools. There is no better example of that than on the Beaverton campus. The SSMO Music Center has a high reputation with universities throughout Oregon. Students have played with the Portland Youth Orchestra, the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra and the Vancouver Orchestra.

Every student enrolled in the K–12 program has the opportunity to learn and enjoy music and to develop life long skills as part of the curriculum.

Private lessons are also available in piano, harp, voice, organ, guitar as well as strings, woodwinds, brass instruments and percussion. Students enrolled for private lessons include students from St. Mary of the Valley, Valley Catholic School, grade school, middle school and high school students attending schools off campus, and adults.

Theory is included at the lesson. Bastien Theory is the text book for students in the SSMO Music Center. Middle School students at Valley Catholic and High School students taking private lessons cover the Alfred Theory Book (three levels) and AP theory is offered to advanced Valley Catholic students.

As part of the SSMO Music Center education, students have three opportunities for public performance at department recitals. Participation in at least two recitals gives a student eligibility to audition for department scholarship.